Latest content: Oceans and natural resources

Commonwealth High Commissioners and other member country representatives recently met at Marlborough House for a briefing on the implementation of the Apia Commonwealth Ocean Declaration, adopted in Samoa at the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. The briefing provided member countries with a vision for the Commonwealth at the UN Ocean Conference in Nice, to be held in June.

The Commonwealth Secretariat and UK’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) today hosted a roundtable on gender and energy security at Marlborough House in London.

The International Maritime Organization’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MPEC) is convening this week in London to try to negotiate the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) from the global shipping industry. The discussions are expected to have major implications for global trade, climate action and economic resilience, with almost all of the 56 Commonwealth countries likely to be affected.

By Dr Brandon J Bethel, Small Island Sustainability, University of The Bahamas; Ernest Ohandja Nomo, MSc. Teaching Assistant and Research Officer, Association of Professionals in Coastal and Aquatics Management (APCAM), Cameroon; and Dr Nokubonga Mbandzi-Phorego, South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity

There are estimates that over three billion people depend on the ocean for their lives and livelihood. In the Commonwealth, 49 of the 56 member states have an ocean border and so it is no surprise that at the Commonwealth Secretariat there is a sustained focus on ensuring there is a healthy ocean.

With over 12 million tonnes of plastic entering the ocean annually, the cost of inaction is untenable. Commonwealth stakeholders are now better equipped to advocate for a bold and inclusive pathway that reflects the priorities of its members and builds momentum towards sustainable, circular economies.

The Apia Commonwealth Ocean Declaration, which was agreed at last month’s Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa, paves the way for accelerated climate action to help save our planet, say Commonwealth Island leaders.

Sea-level rise is causing irrevocable damage to communities, lives and livelihoods, but also provides some opportunities for growth.

The Apia Commonwealth Ocean Declaration, adopted by the 56 Commonwealth member countries, is one of the largest-ever marine protection agreements.

Pension and sovereign funds can take concrete actions to scale up their adaptation financing, explains Daniel Wilde, Economic Adviser, Commonwealth Secretariat.

A message from the Commonwealth Secretary-General, The Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, ahead of COP29.

The search for The Earthshot Prize 2025 Winners has begun!

The Commonwealth Connectivity Agenda is making decisive strides in elevating national agricultural data infrastructure, using its convening power to bring together stakeholders who can deliver a step-change in the sector.

Showcase your creativity, drive and passion for making a tangible impact on our oceans and climate.  

The Centre of Excellence for Oceanography and the Blue Economy (COBE), a collaboration between the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, the University of the West Indies, the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Association of Commonwealth Universities, was launched yesterday at the 4th Small Islands Developing States (SIDS4) conference in St John’s, Antigua.